Ukraine seeks long-range weapons at Ramstein, US denies request

On September 6, at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany, Ukraine's repeated requests for long-range weapons and permission to strike into Russian territory were denied by the United States. Despite the presence of over 50 nations, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that one specific capability would not be decisive in the conflict. He noted that Ukraine already possesses significant capabilities to address targets beyond the range of US-made ATACMS and UK-made Storm Shadow missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated the need for long-range capabilities to motivate Russia towards peace, highlighting recent territorial advances into the Kursk region. He argued that Ukraine's right to defend itself extends beyond its borders, a sentiment echoed by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Some nations, like Estonia, supported Ukraine's position but did not provide long-range weapons. While the US rebuffed the request, other countries announced new commitments to deliver additional military aid, including air defense systems. Zelenskyy pointed out that many promised air defense systems had yet to be delivered, indicating a gap between commitments and actual support. The Ukraine Contact Group, formed after Russia's illegal attack in 2022, aims to coordinate military aid to Ukraine. In the coming months, leadership of the Ramstein group will transition from the US to NATO, aiming to create a more stable and long-term support structure for Ukraine's armed forces amidst potential changes in US administration. This shift is crucial for maintaining consistent military support for Ukraine as it continues to defend against Russian aggression.